Overview

Eastern Virginia Medical School, through its prestigious Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, is a pioneer of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In 1981, the first in vitro fertilization baby in the United States was born through the efforts of The Jones Institute. The Jones Institute is widely acknowledged to be an international leader in clinical and scientific research in ART, and has trained many prominent physicians and scientists.

Today's embryologists and andrologists require a foundation for lifelong learning to:

• Prepare for and adapt to new technologies
• Understand the relevance and application of advances in cell biology and genetics
• Strengthen career opportunities
• Anticipate future personnel requirements
• Apply good clinical practices

Through the convenience of the World Wide Web, EVMS now provides online education that meets current and projected training needs in this rapidly evolving field.

With faculty leadership from the Jones Institute, EVMS launched an Internet-based graduate program in Clinical Embryology and Andrology in May 2003.

Curriculum

The program is primarily designed for clinical embryologists and andrologists, physicians, and others involved in the practice of ART. Graduates of the 34-credit-hour program will receive a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in clinical embryology and andrology. The course of study is 24 months, including two four-day residential sessions at EVMS and twelve courses:

Students receive a comprehensive education in the scientific basis of assisted reproductive technology and genetics, deepen their understanding of basic and advanced laboratory protocols, and develop critical skills for problem-solving.

Internet-based Graduate Program in Clinical Embryology and Andrology

Courses are taught by experienced basic science and clinical faculty using the Blackboard learning platform. Therefore, program participants must have access to the Internet and broadband Internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL, T-1 line, etc.). Other requirements include Internet Explorer (Version 6 or higher) or Netscape Communicator (Version 8 or higher), and a CD-ROM drive.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for students admitted to the program in May 2009 is projected to be $799 per credit hour. Graduation fees will occur at the beginning of the second year.

Tuition and fees are subject to change (increases normally occur in April).

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold an earned bachelor's degree.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (B-) or better. This requirement may be waived by the program director based on experience or other factors.
• Have successfully completed one year of college-level biology and chemistry.
• International students, or applicants whose native language is not English, must submit a TOEFL score equal to or greater than 550 for the paper-based test, or 213 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the iBT exam.
• Currently work or have worked in clinical IVF or basic reproductive research as a clinical embryologist, andrologist, nurse, physician or research scientist. This requirement may be waived by the program directors based on experience or other factors.

Application Procedures

• Log into the electronic application, create a username/password and complete and submit the online form, including your personal statement, along with the $60 application fee. If you cannot complete the form in one sitting, all of your information will be saved and you may return to finish the process.
• Following the online instructions, applicants must contact every college or university attended and request that transcripts be sent directly to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions in sealed envelopes (address below).
• International students please contact one of the following credentialing agencies to submit your transcripts for official interpretation: www.wes.org or www.aacrao.org/credential. Instruct the credentialing agency to send the official interpretations directly to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions (address below).
• International applicants please go to the ETS website and request EVMS as a recipient of your official TOFEL scores.
• Using the form provided within the online system, submit two letters of recommendation from two individuals who can realistically evaluate the applicant's abilities and probability of success in the program. Preferably, one of the letters should be from the applicant's current employer.
• List all related work or volunteer experience.

The application deadline is January 5, 2010 this year for students seeking entry into classes beginning in May. Applications received after that date may be considered based on merit and space availability. Applications will be reviewed in December, and students will be notified of a decision soon thereafter. Students who plan to seek financial aid are advised to submit their applications as early as possible. Upon acceptance into the program, a $300 non-refundable matriculation fee (which will be credited towards the first semester's tuition) is required to secure class placement.

Nancy W. Garcia, Program Administrator
Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine
601 Colley Avenue, 4th floor
Norfolk, VA 23507
Phone: (757) 446-8935
Fax: (757) 446-5905
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Jacob F. Mayer, PhD, Program Director
Helena I. Russell, MS, Program Associate Director ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Official transcripts from the institute(s) you attended and the TOFEL scores (if applicable) should be forwarded to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions at the address shown below. If you experience technical difficulties or related problems in completing your online application, please contact:

Rose Mwayungu
Director of Enrollment for Health Professions
Attn: Clinical Embryology & Andrology Program
Eastern Virginia Medical School
700 W. Olney Road
Norfolk, VA 23507-1607

Tel: (757) 446-7153/7096
Fax: (757) 446-8915
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• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Department of Physiological Sciences
• Student Budget and Tuition Rates
• Office of Financial Aid